FLUORIDE

APPLICATION

By:Zahraa Mohammed
 TOPICS
Introduction The function of fluoride
The source of fluoride Fluoride doses

Fluoride in dentistry Fluoride in children

What is fluoride made from Side effects of fluoride
 INTRODUCTION: 1
Fluoride research had its beginnings
in 1901, when a young dental school graduate named Frederick
McKay left the East Coast to open a dental practice in Colorado
Springs, Colorado. When he arrived, McKay was astounded to find
scores of Colorado Springs natives with grotesque brown stains
on their teeth
.In 1931, 3 different groups of scientists around the world
published their discoveries that this condition was caused by
fluoride in drinking water during childhood. The condition then
started to become termed "dental fluorosis".
WHERE DOES FLUORIDE ORIGINATE FROM? 2
The mineral fluoride occurs naturally on earth
and is released from rocks into the soil, water,
and air. All water contains some fluoride.
Usually, the fluoride level in water is not enough
to prevent tooth decay; however, some
groundwater and natural springs can have
naturally high levels of fluoride.
WHAT IS FLUORIDE DENTISTRY? 3
Fluoride varnish can be applied to both
baby teeth and adult teeth by a
dentist. The process involves painting a
varnish containing high levels of
fluoride onto the surface of the tooth
twice a year to prevent decay. It works
by strengthening tooth enamel,
making it more resistant to decay.
 WHAT IS FLUORIDE MADE OF? 4
Fluoride is created when salts from the element fluorine combine
with minerals in soil or rocks. Fluoride is found naturally in soil,
water, and many foods, and occurs naturally in the human body
in bones and teeth.
 FUNCTION OF FLUORIDE: 5
Fluoride, a mineral, is naturally present in many foods
and available as a dietary supplement. Fluoride is the
ionic form of the element fluorine, and it inhibits or
reverses the initiation and progression of dental
caries (tooth decay) and stimulates new bone
formation.

Fluoride works by restoring minerals to tooth surfaces

where bacteria may have eroded the enamel. It can
also inhibit the growth of harmful oral bacteria and
further prevent cavities.
 6
HOW MUCH FLUORIDE DO YOU NEED?
The American Dental Association
recommends a professional fluoride
treatment at your dentist’s office every 3, 6, or
12 months, depending on your oral health. If
you’re at high risk for cavities, your dentist
may also prescribe a special fluoride rinse or
gel to use regularly at home.
 T
FOLLOW I H E 7
CAN N G
IN C R EA S E -eating disorder
Y O U R RI S
K
C A V I T IE S O F -poor oral hygiene
: -lack of professional dental care
-poor diet
-dry mouth, or decreased saliva
-weak enamel
 FLUORIDE FOR CHILDREN: 8
If your child isunder 3 years old, they should only
brush their teeth with close supervision. Apply
only a thin layer of fluoride toothpaste to their
toothbrush. The toothpaste should cover less
than half of the bristles or be no bigger than a
grain of rice.
Fluoride toothpaste the size of a pea is
recommended for children ages 3 to 6 years old.
You should watch children to ensure they spit
toothpaste out while brushing.
 ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS TO FLUORIDE? 9
Like any medication, too much fluoride can
cause negative complications. You can get
too much fluoride by accidentally
overdosing or by being prescribed a dose
that’s too high. Fluoride poisoning is very
rare today, though chronic overexposure
may harm developing bones and teeth in
small children. Many children’s
toothpastes don’t include fluoride.
 TOO MUCH FLUORIDE CAN CAUSE: 10
white specks on mature teeth
staining and pitting on teeth
problems with bone homeostasis
very dense bones that aren’t very strong.

Acute toxicity, such as an overdose on fluoride

supplement pills, can cause:

nausea
diarrhea
tiredness
excessive sweating
 11
YOU CAN GET FLUORIDE TWO WAYS:
-topically from toothpaste
and treatments at the dentist
-systemically in water and
dietary supplements.
T H A NK
YOU